Flashback Friday: Hanson

An older, more refined and unconventional boy band from the ’90s is back, and they’re headed to Boulder.

The brothers who got everyone singing “MMMBop” circa 1997 with longer hair and higher voices now have wives and babies. But they haven’t lost the urge to rock out and they will show off their new material at the Fox on Friday.

“Shout It Out” is Hanson’s newest studio album, their eighth total, and was released in June. It shows off older music tastes, said sophomore music education major, Ethan Alexander.

“[Shout It Out] is so good! It’s a swing back to their older stuff,” Alexander said. “It has an old, strong soul influence.”

Some students said they lost touch with their favorite ’90s band, including senior marketing major Katie Pedroza.

“I had no idea they were still producing music,” Pedroza said. “I thought they disbanded.”

Isaac (guitar, vocals), Taylor (vocals, piano) and Zac (drums, vocals) have a fresh energy that is evident in their new music. The single, “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin,” is a funky, in-your-face song telling a jaded ex-lover that they’re not the center of the universe. “Well I’ve run out of patience/ For this sticky situation/ You won’t find me crying that we’re through,” they sing, backed up by a robust horn band and follow with the chorus: “I’ve been thinking ‘bout somethin’/ I’ve been thinking ‘bout somethin’ other than you.”

The new album is a piano and horn-driven musical piece of work with their trademark three-part harmony. Their songwriting reflects more maturity than what was popular 13 years ago. Junior international affairs major, Bryce Fricklis, said he used to like them and would be interested to hear what has changed musically.

“They were my favorite band when I was 8 years old,” Fricklis said. “I’d be interested in seeing them, I guess.”

Alexander said he wants to see them at the Fox.

“I love Hanson,” Alexander said. “If I have enough money, I’ll definitely go.”

Hanson plays the Fox Theatre Friday at 9 p.m. with Rocket to the Moon and Jen Pumo. Tickets are $30 at the door and can be purchased on the Fox Theatre’s website.

Contact CU Independent Entertainment Editor Taylor Coughlin at Taylor.coughlin@colorado.edu.